Humble Fugitive Sought on Charges of Production of Child Pornography

HOUSTON – Moises Valdez, 41, of Humble, has been charged in a criminal complaint with production of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson. Agents were unable to arrest him today and a warrant remains outstanding for his arrest.

On Jan. 29, 2016, FBI agents executed a federal search warrant at the residence of Valdez. At the time of execution, FBI agents seized a laptop as well as a desktop computer located within a bedroom belonging to Valdez, according to the complaint.

On March 2, 2016, the complaint alleges that FBI agents began the forensic review of those items and found approximately 75 images and more than 180 videos of child pornography. Additionally, agents also allegedly found one particular video that appeared to be taken from a cellular phone which agents believed was produced by Valdez. Agents believed that this video was of an underage female who appeared to be under the age of 10, being vaginally penetrated by an adult male penis, according to the complaint. Also depicted in the video was an adult male’s fingers that can be seen spreading open the vagina of the child who appears to be unconscious throughout the sexual assault, according to the charges.

Agents were able to identify the bedroom as that of belonging to Valdez, according to the complaint.

On March 8, 2016, agents contacted and interviewed Valdez’ wife who allegedly identified the child depicted in the video as a minor female who would have been under the age of five at the time of the assault. The wife was further able to identify body parts of Valdez that were seen in the video, according to the complaint.  

Valdez is considered a fugitive and a warrant remains outstanding for his arrest. If anyone has information about his whereabouts, they are asked to contact the FBI at 713-693-5000.

The charges are the result of investigation conducted by the FBI.

If convicted, Valdez faces a minimum of 15 and up to 30 years in federal prison.

This case, being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Ann Leo, was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."

A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.

A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.

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